Which group is primarily responsible for regulated water management in Arizona?

The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) is the principal agency tasked with overseeing and managing water resources in Arizona. Its responsibilities include the management of surface water and groundwater, the regulation of water rights, and ensuring compliance with Arizona's water laws. The ADWR plays a crucial role in balancing the state's water supply with demand and implementing policies aimed at sustainable water use. This includes monitoring groundwater conditions, overseeing water conservation programs, and facilitating water-related planning initiatives.

While the other groups mentioned have important functions related to water management, they serve more specific roles. For instance, the CAGRD focuses on groundwater replenishment and meets specific needs of its members but does not manage water resources broadly. The Central Arizona Project primarily deals with delivering Colorado River water to central and southern Arizona and is instrumental in the infrastructure but does not have the regulatory authority that ADWR holds. The Arizona Water User Association represents various stakeholders and interests in water use but is not a regulatory body like the ADWR. Thus, the responsibility for regulated water management fundamentally lies with the ADWR.